Shortly after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, I went to Keystone Korner for the first time. My classmate Noah invited me to see a show with legendary jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers. It was a special night in October of 2020. Everyone was on edge being around each other in public, but we all wore our masks. It was one of the first times I remember being out and enjoying live music with others. It felt familiar and hopeful. Seeing Ayers perform, and hearing the notes of “Searching,” gave me enough fuel to move through the next week.
Jazz is a distinctly Black American modern tradition, and Baltimore City has one of the preeminent jazz clubs in the world.
Jazz is a distinctly Black American modern tradition, and Baltimore City has one of the preeminent jazz clubs in the world. Keystone Korner offers a unique and intimate live music experience. The Harbor East jazz club has been integral to the city’s cultural landscape since 2019.
It attracts both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and neophytes with its authentic atmosphere and diverse offerings, including jam sessions and performances by national legends like Ayers and avant-garde jazz alto saxophone great Marshall Allen. Despite the romantic setting and decor, Keystone Korner welcomes individuals seeking a solitary musical experience as well. It provides a space for creative individuals to gather and experience the unique musical genre.
Founder Todd Barkan, a Columbus, Ohio, native, is the driving force behind Keystone Korner. His own journey in music began at a young age, influenced by his parents’ diverse record collection and the mentorship of jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Released in 1974, Kirk’s live “Bright Moments” album features a young Barkan on tambourine and synthesizer.
Barkan was also a friend of the late jazz guitar legend Russell Malone. He recalls his first meeting with the Georgia native artist, known for working with musicians like Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr.
“He was gracious and humble, a true master of his craft,” Barkan told Baltimore Beat.
Malone, alongside jazz bassist Ron Carter and composer and pianist Donald Vega, graced the stage for Keystone Korner’s grand opening on April 30, 2019, which also happened to be International Jazz Day.
The club’s first iteration came to life in San Francisco and was open from 1972 to 1983. Barkan’s goal was to provide the best music in the world at the most affordable price, in the most loving environment. This remains the goal of Keystone Korner Baltimore, where Barkan has joined forces with an all-star culinary team (led by chef Robert Wiedmaier) to make sure that the food is as enticing as the entertainment.
Keystone Korner hosts its Bright Moments Jazz Jam Sessions on Tuesday nights, offering a unique experience for musicians and audiences to connect through spontaneous jazz improvisation. The sessions happen weekly from around 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Unlike pre-arranged big band or rehearsed small group jazz performances, these jam sessions are entirely off-the-cuff. Barkan sees them as essential tools for keeping the tradition of great jazz alive in Baltimore, while fostering community.
Led by bassist, composer, and educator Obasi Akoto, the sessions encompass a variety of styles from bebop and post-bop to avant-garde and fusion. Akoto views the weekly jam session as more than just a musical occasion; it’s a social gathering that transcends boundaries and brings people together. Akoto is also a passionate educator, deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of musicians.
“Jazz is more than just music,” Akoto explains. “It’s a way of life. It teaches discipline, collaboration, and the ability to think on your feet.”
“Jazz is more than just music,” Akoto explains. “It’s a way of life. It teaches discipline, collaboration, and the ability to think on your feet.”
On Tuesdays, Akoto assembles a rotating house band, featuring talented musicians like Lucas Netto on tenor saxophone, Aidan Francia Cotter on piano, and Amin Gumbs on drums. Together, they lay down unrehearsed tunes from the jazz canon, inviting professional and semi-professional musicians to join in the spontaneous creation of a new sound.
As the night winds down, Barkan, affectionately known as “the Toddzilla,” takes the stage. He sings the club’s theme song (and jam session namesake) “Bright Moments,” a fitting tribute to the spontaneous and joyful spirit filling Keystone Korner.
Late jazz saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman, the founder of the free jazz movement, once said, “Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” You can return to Keystone Korner every Tuesday to hear and feel this musical community, and allow it to carry you into the next week. If jazz is a language, the notes reverberating from the stage at Keystone Korner are the soundtrack for the bright moments that echo in the background of our lives.
Jam sessions are well documented by the venue’s house photographer, the talented Mr. Michael Friedman. If you visit a session, be sure to take a pause to admire his work on the walls — you might see some faces you recognize. If you want to sit in and join, there’s a sign-up sheet next to the stage. Please note that the club recommends that “jazz standards are preferred repertoire and get the best results” to keep the vibes going. Bright Moments Jazz Jam Sessions carve out space for local, national, and international jazz artists to meet up, and heat up.
This ethos — this mixing of talents from emerging to established, local to international — echoes the spirit of the club in its programming, showcasing internationally lauded acts like Ayers while providing a consistent practice space for rising jazz talents.
“We’re committed to showcasing the best of the best, but we also want to give emerging artists a chance to shine,” Barkan said. “We’ve created a space where people can connect with each other and with the music. It’s a place where friendships are formed and memories are made.”
“Baltimore has a vibrant jazz scene, and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Akoto said. His presence at Keystone Korner has enriched the club’s musical offerings and fostered a deeper connection between the club and its patrons. His commitment to education and his passion for sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians resonate with the club’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of jazz.
As Akoto reflects on his journey and the evolution of jazz, he muses, “Jazz is constantly evolving, but its essence remains the same. It’s about freedom, expression, and the power of music to connect people.” His words echo through the intimate space of Keystone Korner, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness his artistry.
Even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with other venues shuttering, Keystone Korner has persevered, adapting to restrictions and finding creative ways to keep the music alive. With Akoto as maestro, the club’s legacy is further solidified, ensuring that the soulful sounds of jazz continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
Since its rebirth in Harbor East in 2019, Keystone Korner has quickly become a cornerstone of Baltimore’s jazz community, embodying founder Barkan’s philosophy that “Jazz is more than just music. It’s a feeling, a way of life.” This philosophy permeates every aspect of the club, from its carefully curated programming to its intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Barkan’s diverse background, coupled with the influence of mentors like Kirk, has shaped a unique vision for the club that honors jazz traditions while embracing innovation and improvisation.
Beyond showcasing established artists, Keystone Korner is committed to nurturing emerging talent, providing a platform for them to share their music and grow as artists — which it accomplishes with every Tuesday night jam session. This commitment extends to educational programs and workshops, fostering a sense of community and ensuring the future of jazz in Baltimore.
Running a jazz club is a labor of love, and Keystone Korner has faced its share of challenges. From navigating licensing hurdles to weathering the impact of the pandemic, the club’s resilience is a testament to its staff’s dedication and its patrons’ unwavering support. “They’re the heart and soul of this place,” Barkan said,” emphasizing the community’s impact on its longevity.
As more cultural institutions disappear, it is crucial to support venues like Keystone Korner that keep the city’s soul alive.
Join the Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session every Tuesday night, or visit the club’s website for upcoming performances by world-class musicians. Keystone Korner is located at 1350 Lancaster Street.